UN Judge Lydia Mugambe Jailed for Modern Slavery in UK

Lydia Mugambe, a United Nations and Ugandan High Court judge, was sentenced to six years and four months in a UK prison for modern slavery offences after forcing a Ugandan woman to work unpaid as a maid and nanny while studying at Oxford University. Mugambe fraudulently arranged for the victim's visa under the pretense of diplomatic employment, with the complicity of Uganda's former deputy high commissioner, John Mugerwa, who received legal assistance from Mugambe in exchange. The victim's documents were confiscated, and she lived in fear due to Mugambe's influential position. Judge David Foxton, during sentencing, noted Mugambe's lack of remorse and attempts to blame the victim, calling the case 'very sad' given her background in human rights. Mugerwa could not be prosecuted because the Ugandan government refused to waive his diplomatic immunity. The victim, who has lifelong anonymity, described experiencing constant fear and dehumanization during her ordeal.